Galway Farm's Molly Canfield Takes a Top Spot in the Inaugural National Horse Show 3'3" Equitation Championship

Molly Canfield and Caprioso 2 with trainer Lorrie Canady and groom Alex Mendoza accept their third place award in the NHS 3'3" Equitation Championship from NHS President Mason Phelps and Jennifer Burger.

Lexington, KY – October 30, 2017 – Molly Canfield, 14, of Chicago, rode to a third place finish in the inaugural National Horse Show (NHS) 3’3” Equitation Championship this past Sunday at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Trainer Lorrie Canady of Galway Farm in Long Grove, Illinois, took advantage of the opportunity for Canfield to ride in the new 3’3” Championship to prepare her for the 3’6” medals next year. After four phases of competition and a starting field of 47 riders, Canfield aboard Caprioso 2 held her spot for the third place ribbon at the final award ceremony.

Molly Canfield and Caprioso 2 jumped their way into the final work off. Photo Shawn McMillen

Riders in the championship began with a jumping round over a course designed by Bobby Murphy, which narrowed the field to the top 20 riders. Judges Robin Fairclough and Timmy Kees then judged riders on the flat to establish the reverse order of go for round 2 over fences. Canfield was in third place for round 2 but when it was complete, the judges called for a work-off of the top four riders, which again had Canfield sitting in third.The work off was a shortened course, which included a halt and a trot jump. It wasn’t until the final award ceremony that riders then knew where they finished.

Molly Canfield and Penny Lane won the Team and Individual Gold Medal in the USHJA Children's Hunter North Regional Championships in 2016.

This was the first time Canfield had ridden in the Alltech arena although she is not a stranger to championships. In 2016, Canfield earned the Individual Gold Medal in the USHJA Children’s and Adult Amateur Hunter North Regional Championships and added her scores to help earn the Gold Medal for her Children’s Team aboard Penny Lane. Canfield also took the Reserve Championship in the Sore No More Children’s Medal Finals Midwest and won the Illinois Hunter Jumper Association’s Children’s Medal Finals.

In 2017, Canfield also earned the HITS Chicago Circuit Championship in the Low Children’s Jumpers aboard Rapidash and took the Circuit Reserve Championship in the Junior Hunters 3’3” aboard her mother’s horse, Claas Clever.

Canfield began riding at Galway Farm at the age of six while her mother, Mary Beth, has been training with Canady for over 20 years. The Galway Team includes assistant trainer and rider Molly McAdow, who also rode with Canady as a junior.

“The event was really well done,” said Canady. “They made everyone feel special and gave the kids the whole experience, including a press conference. It was great to take advantage of the opportunity and the event really encourages kids to keep aiming for the bigger equitation classes.”“I actually wasn’t too nervous!” said Canfield. “It really helped to have a warm-up before hand, which helped with the nerves. “I was a little nervous going into the second round in third. I did my best not to think about it and it turned out to be the best part. The work off wasn’t too difficult; my main goal was to get the halt early so that I could have plenty of time to canter to the following jump. My horse is amazing! I have been riding him for 7 months, and he is just perfect. He goes around, does anything, jumps anything, he has been fantastic for me to be able to move up on.”“I want to thank Lorrie Canady and everyone at Galway Farm!” added Canfield. “I owe everything to them and going to the barn is always the best part of my day because Galway Farm has such a wonderful environment. Also I want to thank my mom! She got me into riding and riding with her is the best.”Canfield commented on her overall experience, “I think this new 3’3” medal is wonderful! It is definitely going to be super helpful when moving up to know how everything works. I think that the National Horse show did an amazing job making this a super great class!”Competition continues at the National Horse Show on October 31 - November 5, 2017 including the ASPCA/Maclay Finals. Daily competition can be seen on Eqsports.net.

Galway FarmGalway Farm, 1650 Bernay Lane is conveniently located 20 miles northwest of O'Hare Airport and 6 miles north of Arlington Park racetrack. The farm is a full service hunter/jumper training and showing facility providing full training, boarding with turnout and more.Lorrie Canady, head trainer/owner, had a vision to start and operate an equestrian facility that could cater to the serious show rider but also be a place to help beginning riders get started in the sport. Galway Farm is a friendly, family oriented facility that is a fun and safe environment for all.Canady has participated in major competitions throughout North America including Wellington, Florida; Ocala, Florida; Lake Placid, New York and Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada.

Molly McAdow as assistant trainer and rider, has helped Galway Farm produce numerous champions and circuit champions as well as bringing along quality sale horses.

Watch for dates for the fall 2018 Galway Classic featuring the Galway Equitation Classic and the Galway Hunter Derby. The event features two days of clinic and a show day with feedback from the judge, along with plenty of great food, fun and education.